Ezekiel 34:17
Ezekiel 34:17 in Multiple Translations
This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats.
And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.
And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, the rams and the he-goats.
And as for you, O my flock, says the Lord, truly, I will be judge between sheep and sheep, the he-sheep and the he-goats.
My flock, this is what the Lord God says to you: Watch, because I will judge between one sheep and the next, between the rams and the goats.
Also you my sheepe, Thus saieth the Lord God, behold, I iudge betweene sheepe, and sheepe, betweene the rammes and the goates.
And you, My flock, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I am judging between sheep and sheep, Between rams and he-goats.
“As for you, O my flock, the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, the rams and the male goats.
And as for you, O my flock, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he-goats.
And as for you, O my flocks, thus saith the Lord God: Behold I judge between cattle and cattle, of rams and of he goats.
And as for you who are like [MET] my sheep, this is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say: I will judge between each of you; and I will separate those that are peaceful like sheep from those that are always trying to dominate others like goats.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 34:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 34:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתֵּ֣נָה
צֹאנִ֔/י
כֹּ֥ה
אָמַ֖ר
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֑ה
הִנְ/נִ֤י
שֹׁפֵט֙
בֵּֽין
שֶׂ֣ה
לָ/שֶׂ֔ה
לָ/אֵילִ֖ים
וְ/לָ/עַתּוּדִֽים
וְ/אַתֵּ֣נָה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
צֹאנִ֔/י
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
הִנְ/נִ֤י
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
שֹׁפֵט֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
שֶׂ֣ה
seh
H7716
sheep
N-cs
לָ/שֶׂ֔ה
seh
H7716
sheep
Prep | N-cs
לָ/אֵילִ֖ים
ʼayil
H352
ram
Prep | N-mp
וְ/לָ/עַתּוּדִֽים
ʻattûwd
H6260
goat
Conj | Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 34:17
וְ/אַתֵּ֣נָה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
צֹאנִ֔/י
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
הִנְ/נִ֤י
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
שֹׁפֵט֙
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
שֶׂ֣ה
seh
H7716
"sheep"
N-cs
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.
לָ/שֶׂ֔ה
seh
H7716
"sheep"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a sheep or goat, often used to describe a flock or young animal in the Bible. It is also related to the word for lamb.
Definition: 1) one of a flock, lamb, sheep, goat, young sheep, young goat 1a) sheep, goat 1b) flock (collective) Also means: zeh (זֶה "lamb" H2089)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb, sheep. Compare H2089 (זֶה). See also: Genesis 22:7; Deuteronomy 14:4; Psalms 119:176.
לָ/אֵילִ֖ים
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
Prep | N-mp
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
וְ/לָ/עַתּוּדִֽים
ʻattûwd
H6260
"goat"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word can refer to a full-grown male goat, like the ones used in sacrifices in Leviticus. It can also be used figuratively to describe leaders or important people, like the chiefs of the tribes of Israel in Numbers.
Definition: ram, he-goat, chief one
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: chief one, (he) goat, ram. See also: Genesis 31:10; Numbers 7:88; Psalms 50:9.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 34:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 34:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
- Sermons on Ezekiel 34:17
Context — The Good Shepherd
15I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.
16I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
17This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats.
18Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 34:20–22 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Since you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak ones with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, I will save My flock, and they will no longer be prey. I will judge between one sheep and another. |
| 2 | Matthew 25:32–33 | All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. |
| 3 | Zechariah 10:3 | “My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts attends to His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His royal steed in battle. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 20:37–38 | I will make you pass under the rod and will bring you into the bond of the covenant. And I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me. I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD. |
Ezekiel 34:17 Summary
[This verse means that God will make sure everything is fair and just for His people, and that He will punish those who are mean or hurtful to others. He will take care of those who are weak or hurt, as seen in Ezekiel 34:16, and will make sure everyone is treated fairly. This is a promise from God to always do what is right and just, as seen in Psalm 119:137. We can trust that God will always be fair and just, and that He will take care of us, as promised in Matthew 6:33.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats?
This means God will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, the obedient and the disobedient, within His own flock, as seen in Ezekiel 34:17, and will bring justice to those who have been wronged, as promised in Psalm 103:6.
How does this verse relate to the previous promises of God's care for His flock?
This verse is a continuation of God's promise to care for His flock, as seen in Ezekiel 34:15-16, where He promises to tend to their needs and bring back the strays, but now He is emphasizing the importance of justice and accountability within the flock.
What is the significance of the distinction between the rams and the goats?
The distinction between the rams and the goats may symbolize the difference between the leaders and the followers within the flock, with God holding the leaders accountable for their actions, as seen in Jeremiah 23:1-4, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their failures.
How does this verse apply to our lives as believers today?
This verse reminds us that God is a just and righteous God, who will ultimately bring justice to all people, as seen in Revelation 20:12-15, and that we should strive to live in obedience to Him, knowing that our actions have consequences, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have seen God's justice at work in my own life or in the lives of others?
- How can I, as a member of God's flock, promote justice and accountability within my own community of believers?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's justice and righteousness, and how can I do that?
- How can I trust in God's promise to judge between the righteous and the wicked, and what does that mean for my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 34:17
And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord God,.... Having done with the shepherds, and the complaint against them, the Lord proceeds to take notice of the flock, or the people themselves, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 34:17
And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. As for you, O my flock - passing from the rulers to the people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
I judge between cattle and cattle; make a different estimate and judgment between men and men, between the smaller and weaker that need more tenderness, and the greater and stronger whose violence is to be restrained; and as becomes me, and their different state requires, I will do. Rams; the hieroglyphic of rulers in their authority, humours, and carriage towards their subjects, who are also observed and shall be dealt with accordingly, when God makes good all this his word.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
Ezekiel 34:17 And [as for] you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats.Ver. 17. And as for you, O my flock.] I have a saying to you also, such as are unruly especially, as well as to your shepherds. Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle.] Between sincere Christians and hypocrites, sheep and goats; and can soon shed them, and show them to the world, who are fierce rams, and who are nasty goats. At last day, howsoever, all shall out, and a separation shall be made. The precious shall be taken out from the vile.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
(17) Between cattle and cattle.—In other words, between one and another of the flock. They are not all alike to be saved and blessed, but only those who turn in penitence and submission to God, their Shepherd. The same contrast is again expressed in Ezekiel 34:20; Ezekiel 34:22. It is not between “the cattle” on the one side, and “the rams and the he-goats” on the other, but between the cattle themselves, and also between the rams and he-goats themselves; all the evil, of whatever class, are to be rejected. Ezekiel 34:18-19 are addressed to those who will be rejected.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
Verse 17. And as for you, O my flock] After having spoken to the shepherds, he now addresses the flock. I judge between cattle and cattle] Between false and true professors; between them that have only the form and them that have the power of godliness; between the backslider in heart and the upright man.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 34:17
17. Not only shall the cruel shepherds be removed and the flock delivered out of their hands and fed by the Lord himself, the injuries inflicted by members of the flock on each other shall no more prevail. The strong shall no more push the weak or drive them from the good pasture. between cattle and cattle] between sheep and sheep, even the rams and the he-goats. The “rams” and “he-goats” explain the second word “sheep.” Jehovah will judge between one class (the poor and weak) and another (the rams). Cf. Ezekiel 22:27; Ezekiel 22:29; Amos 2:7; Amos 3:9; Amos 4:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 34:17
17-22. The divine Shepherd will not permit the strong, proud rams and the fat he goats (the priests, the prophets, and the rulers) to drive away or take advantage of their weaker companions.
Sermons on Ezekiel 34:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Passing Under the Rod by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the last days and the impending wrath of God. He highlights the image of a trumpet sounding and preparations being made for b |
|
A Plant of Renown (Part One) by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of Jesus showing his hands and side to the disciples after his resurrection. He explains that the hands represent the first |
|
Pt 8 the Drawing of the Net by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the parable of the net in the sea. He highlights the lessons to be learned from this parable, such as the authority for ma |
|
(Through the Bible) 2 Thessalonians 1-3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the events that will occur during the end times. He explains that John, the author of Revelation, is representativ |
|
The Gospel Call by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuation in the faith. He uses the example of believers in the Roman Empire who were being persecuted |
|
Russ-02 Mystery of Israel - Part 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church being aware and prepared for the last days. The speaker highlights that God's strategy is not only to sift Israe |
|
Will God Throw You Into Hell by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of having a deep love for Christ as the central driving force of one's life. It highlights the impending separation between the wicke |